Oâ€™Donnellâ€™s BCHL debut was a good one as he registered a point in his first game when he set up Joey Holka, a St. Cloud State commit, in the second period for what ended up being the game's only goal. Oâ€™Donnell had 29 goals and 32 assists for 61 points in 53 games last year for the Winnipeg South Blues of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. The 2010 6th round draft pick of the Lightning and North Dakota commit was acquired by Penticton in the offseason.

Wearing No.91 for the Vees, Oâ€™Donnell scored his first BCHL goal on the power play in the first period to tie the game at 1 for Penticton. The Vees would later go down 2-1 but storm back in the third period with 3 goals.

The Lightning have assembled a preliminary roster for the upcoming prospects camp July 10-14 at the St. Pete Times Forum. The following roster, courtesy of Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune, includes at least three goaltenders, 12 defensemen and 17 forwards. All 2010 draft choices will be participating.

Scouting Comments:
The Lightning take a penny stock in the form of O'Donnell, who is a skilled player committed to North Dakota of the WCHA.

Strengths:
O'Donnell was one of the top twenty scorers in the MJHL as a rookie and has a solid skating stride and good vision. He's also shown a well-rounded two-way game.

Weaknesses:
Level of competition. O'Donnell hasn't played at nearly the level of many of his draft day contemporaries. He'll really need to elevate his game to make an impact with North Dakota.

Projection:
The Lightning will have a good four or five years, depending on when O'Donnell enrolls at North Dakota, to allow the centerman to develop and improve. He's a prime example of a sixth round flier the team hopes pays off.

Draft Info

Contract

Contract Status:

Unsigned

Bio

Comment:

must be signed by 8/15/15 or becomes UFA

History:

Won a silver medal with Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge and was picked player of the game at the CJHL Top Prospects Game after scoring five points to lead Team West to an 8-1 win over Team East. Was rookie of the year in the MJHL in 2009-2010.

Scouting Report

Scouting Comments:

The Lightning take a penny stock in the form of O'Donnell, who is a skilled player committed to North Dakota of the WCHA.

Strengths:

O'Donnell was one of the top twenty scorers in the MJHL as a rookie and has a solid skating stride and good vision. He's also shown a well-rounded two-way game.

Weaknesses:

Level of competition. O'Donnell hasn't played at nearly the level of many of his draft day contemporaries. He'll really need to elevate his game to make an impact with North Dakota.

Projection:

The Lightning will have a good four or five years, depending on when O'Donnell enrolls at North Dakota, to allow the centerman to develop and improve. He's a prime example of a sixth round flier the team hopes pays off.